Letters 5-22-09

Glad to see someone else takes the trouble to read the town overtime report (From This Corner, May 1). It is an eye-opener. The information used to be in the town annual report, but the powers to be took it out three or four years ago. To save money on paper? Or to discourage taxpayers from seeing what overtime cost? I have been reading it at the Whelden library the last three or four years.

You mention the police department; it looks to me like both the DPW and police department are wallowing in overtime. I for one will not be voting for any future overrides with the current levels of overtime. When we do have another override, please encourage your readers to read the overtime report before they make their decision.

David Graf Centerville

More about Gorey grants

Thank you very much for the May 1A & E Lighthouse cover story on the Edward Gorey House and our 2009 exhibit, “Edward Gorey’s Creatures ~ Real and Imagined.” We loved the story, and are happy that many new visitors have come after reading it!

We’d like to clarify one statement. The Gorey House itself does not give grants; they are given by the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust, a wholly separate organization. When Gorey died, his will created the trust, whose sole mission is the care and welfare of animals. The Trust does offer annual grants to organizations Gorey specified, such as the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Bat Conservation International, the Xerces Society and Tufts Veterinary School. The Gorey House is pleased to recommend to the Trust local groups that should be considered for grants, and we are happy that several organizations have been funded over the past few years, including The Cape Cod Stranding Network (now part of IFAW), the Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter, Wildcare, and others, all of which continue Edward’s legacy in important ways every day.

In addition, a percentage of all income from the Edward Gorey House (admissions and gift shop sales) is given to the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust annually.

I am planning to be a candidate for the Barnstable Town Council in the fall of 2009.

The recall crowd is already gearing up prior to the election. I would suggest that those who wish to make changes to their satisfaction: put yourselves on the firing line by being candidates. Please climb out from behind your computers and talk to people face to face.

Be well! John Daniel Alden Hyannis

Senate president’s taxing our patience

As a former candidate for state Senator of the Plymouth and Barnstable district, I believe our current state senator and now Senate president has embraced the largest tax increase in Massachusetts history: a whopping 25 percent increase in the state’s sales tax from 5 percent to 6.25 percent. Such a massive tax increase will stifle retail businesses and send shoppers out of state during a time when Massachusetts businesses need sales during this economic downturn.

Furthermore, our Senate president also supported allowing local communities the option to raise the meal and hotel taxes; this additional tax increase is outside Proposition 2½ and is essentially a permanent override! As for budget reform: what budget reform?

• Where are the hiring freezes/cuts?

• Where is state pension reform?

• Where is the entitlement reform?

• MBTA reform?

• Where is reform in general?

While the economy downturn continues to take its toll on businesses with layoffs, the State continues business as usual and continues to steal money from the public through higher taxes. Mark my words, Senator Murray will be back for more tax increases in the future.

As for our senator and the other pro-tax politicians, freeze their tax-free defined benefit pensions and vote them out of office!